MY PERSPECTIVE, Gary Damron
Last week we considered some early history of David, who wrote close to half of the Psalms in the Bible. He was the youngest son of Jesse, grandson of Ruth the Moabitess (Ruth 4:17). Through his great-grandfather Boaz, David was related to Rahab the foreign harlot who helped the spies enter the Promised Land through Jericho (Joshua chapters 2 and 6; Matthew 1:5). Known as a man after Gods own heart, David was around age fifteen when he was anointed king by the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 16:13).
Through Samuel and David, we learn traits of servanthood and obedience. Samuel years before had anointed Saul to be the first king of Israel (1 Samuel 10:1) and seemed to have great affection for the king and his family. When God revealed to him that Saul would be replaced, it was difficult for Samuel to accept Gods judgment on Saul and move on to the future. Change is difficult, but Samuel was faithful to Gods direction, and anointed the new king.
No doubt thinking back to when he chose Saul, who stood head and shoulders above most men, the old prophet assumed that Sauls successor would be found in Jesses older, stronger sons. But at last, when the youngest son was called in from keeping the sheep, David was revealed as the Lords choice. He was described as ruddy [healthy], with beautiful [fair] eyes and a handsome appearance (1 Samuel 16:12). Though the same term was used in describing the eyes of Jacobs wife Rachel (Genesis 29:17), God doesnt choose based on appearance.
Davids brothers and father didnt appear to give attention or thought to him. Samuel insisted, however, that no one be seated until David was brought from the fields. He then took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:13).
Gods choices outlined in Hebrews chapter 11 show that He often found less qualified people, overlooked or neglected, perhaps even damaged folks. God preferred Abels sacrifice over Cains. He chose Isaac over Ishmael, and Jacob over his older twin Esau. Joseph seemed an unlikely one among his eleven brothers. But God always looks for a person whos prepared to accept His authority, leadership and guidance. Even Davids ancestry included at least two non-Jewish people, Ruth and Rahab. Discounted by his own father, David was chosen by the heavenly Father.
The Spirit of God had made special visits to people before this time, but the reference to the Spirit of God remaining upon a person was unusual in the Old Testament. God continues to look for hearts that will allow the Spirit to abide. After being anointed by God, David spent another fifteen years learning to be a servant before he became king of Israel.
Tending flocks on the lonely Judean hillsides was monotonous, but allowed time for thinking, dreaming and meditating. The shepherd boy who had no bed at night often thought of a dwelling place where God could abide with His people. His lifelong desire was to create a sanctuary for the presence of God.
When the Ark of the Covenant was brought into a tent built by David, he sang a Psalm of Thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:8-36).
Psalm 132 was written about David, and portions were used by his son Solomon when the Ark was finally brought into the newly-constructed temple (1 Kings chapter 8) that David had envisioned much of his reign. This psalm contains the only reference to the Ark, and appears to speak of the Messiah rather than the actual gold-overlaid box. Peter spoke on Pentecost, Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. So because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants on his throne, he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ (Acts 2:29-31).
Davids early life was devoted to seeking God; he was loyal and trustworthy. He received his training as a servant, protecting and guiding sheep, and all that time he was learning traits that would make him a good shepherd of Gods people.
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